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Commentary: In domestic violence, all it takes is one
A single voice speaking out, a lone gesture of kindness or a solitary act of good will — the power of one is impactful. And now during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s an ideal time to look at what each one of us can do to bring the serious subject of domestic violence to light.
Domestic violence does not discriminate. It’s an epidemic that affects individuals in every community, regardless of age, gender, economic status, race, religion, or educational background.
While men are not immune to this issue, statistics show that 23.6 percent of women report at least one lifetime episode of intimate-partner violence. That’s a sister, a mother, or a daughter you may know who is a victim or who has been affected by domestic violence.
Although we can’t stop domestic violence overnight, we can work to shift the statistics in a positive direction. Major social change starts small. It’s as simple as an individual deciding to take action because good deeds are contagious.
All it takes is one!
One person to donate his or her old wireless phone to HopeLine®, Verizon Wireless’ phone recycling and re-use program. The no-longer used phone — quite possibly stored and forgotten — not only represents an opportunity to help give a victim a connection to support or emergency services but also a link to friends, family and potential employers.
Donating phones is simple. HopeLine collects old wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any wireless service provider. Phones given to HopeLine that can be refurbished are sold for re-use, and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way.
If every person reading this gave just one phone and others did the same, imagine the positive impact we could make in the lives of domestic violence victims.
Each of us has an opportunity to take action and help break the cycle of violence. Remember the only activity too small is the act of doing nothing at all. Every phone counts. So grab your old phone, spread the word and make a difference this October.
Stacy Winslow is a Verizon Wireless employee.
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Yesterday I attended a meeting where the speaker talked about closed head injury/brain injury. I want everyone to know also that someone with a closed head injury can act out violently. Be aware of family members who have small to large accidents, "bumps" to the head, whiplash or just knocking their noggin on a hard surface accidentally. Others are people who have suffered war types of injuries - our returning warriors, both men and women. They can act out in ways we think are "domestic violence" when they don't really want to hurt their loved ones. We can make a difference and I'm glad Stacy wrote this article.
Thank you, NCP for printing this article. Many are affected by domestic violence. If you suspect someone is being abused, reach out to them. You could be saving their life.
Victims of domestic violence often have many signs
that the violence is on the way.
Some of them experience violence on a regular basis,
have an opportunity to get away from it, and resist the
very people trying to help them.
Phones have nothing to do with it.
Panda I don't want to start a word fight, but I disagree with your last statement. Women who are in battered situations are sometimes not allowed to use the family phone or have a phone. If they can get one for free it might help. So in that way, phones could matter a lot. Of course, garnering the courage to use the phone is sometimes hard to do. I agree with you that the very people who might need help "resist" the very people trying to help them. All we can do is keep in touch and try.